The itchiness may also come from any pain meds he may be taking which you didn't mention. I know I had a rough time finding a pain med that didn't make me worse off than I was without it. After we excluded that ones I shouldn't/couldn't take, I believe I was left with asprin. LOL

As far as what lies ahead, some want to know as much in advance and some don't. Feel him out and if he wants the scoop there are plenty here to tell him what's likely on the horizon for him.

David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.